HEALTH COACHING

Sunday, May 30, 2010

While looking for tattoo places in the East Village (St. Mark's Place) with my sister I couldn't resist the urge to visit the Spot. Here's my first posting about it.

I was a little hungry when we got there so I wanted to order everything on the menu, but settled for Yellow Corn Crema and Mango Bubble Tea. I so wanted to get also the hot Thai Tea with ice cream, because it was so delicious last time. Next time.

After eating the sweet dessert we decided to go eat some real food (this is how we do...). So we went to Klong which is Korean Restaurant on the same street as Spot. I enjoyed kimchi pancakes and my sister had some spicy chicken and veggies.

On the way back home we stopped at Babycakesand got an assortment of vegan cupcakes to take home. Too bad the frosting melted (it was hot day) so I had nothing pretty to photograph for you.

Friday, May 28, 2010

I finally got some of the patio furniture out and cleaned, so now I can enjoy the outdoors and our garden. Only thing missing is sunbrella, because we know the damage sun can do to our skin. But that's on my shopping list already, right next to the outdoor chaise lounge...

My favorite restaurant Chom Chom delivered great lunch again, kimchi pancakes. They are so addictive. Chom Chom also has Happy Hour from 4pm-7pm when all drinks are 50% off. Too bad it's not on during my lunch hour. I would come back to work very happy every day...

After work I met up with my friend C and we headed out to Chelsea Marketfor some wheatgrass shots and shakes from One Lucky Duck. I had the Banana Nut shake (banana, nut milk, vanilla, cinnamon) that was so delicious. Everything here is so good, just take a look at the menu. It's pricier than your average shake place, but it's all organic, vegan and raw.

How cool that the cups are made of compostable corn. Sweet it is! I wish every restaurant would start using eco-friendly products like this. I'd be wiling to pay more just for that.

Anyways, after our healthy appetizers we had dinner at the patio of the Diner in the Meatpacking District (right next to Chelsea Market). This is great late night dining option for all the clubbers out in the Meatpacking clubs because Diner stays open until early morning.

Gabrielle sharer her spiritual principles for clearing mind to receive personal, physical and emotional prosperity. Following her one hour lecture, Gabrielle facilitated a panel of leading wellness experts to further the clearing process that included:

- Marie Forleo is a best selling author & founder of Rich, Happy & Hot: a company dedicated to giving women around the world tools for spiritual, emotional & financial freedom.

- Kate Northrup is the CEO (Creative Expansion Optimist) of Team Northrup, a femmepreneur, writer, connector, and multi-passionate professional seeker.

- Haleh Nematzadeh is a fashion designer, founder of Haleh.TV and Crystal Healer. Haleh's work with Crystals aid in the process of igniting clarity.

- Bianca Beldini, MSOM, LAc,PT is founder of Sacred Space Acupuncture in NYC and co-founder of Arganica, Natures Age Defying Skin Food, an organic, all natural, made by hand (and love!!) product line dedicated to empowering the women of undeveloped nations who support the sustainability of the planets natural aromatic botanicals and forestry.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Legendary Cotton Club, that opened back in 1923, is on the way there and great after dinner entertainment venue. Something that needs to be checked out in the near future.

We had to wait for our table at Dino BBQ over an hour because we didn't make advanced reservations, but you can actually book a table through Opentable nowadays which is awesome. I've spent quite some time in my life waiting for a table at this place. My hubby loves Dino BBQ so back when we were dating this was the place to take me out to...

But no worries. While waiting, you can sip on this fruity drink called Donkey Punch ($8). But don't be fooled, this stuff is strong as hell, and half a glass was enough for me (and I'm a Finn). That's why you see all the big manly men with this pink magic drink in their hands as well.

The place is always packed and food was one of the best culinary experiences I've had in a long time. Everything was made to perfection (and no, I did not just imagine that because I was buzzed from Donkey Punch), service friendly and attentive and crowd easy going.

Yes, it's not in midtown, but just a short ride to 125th St. on a 1 train and 5 minute walk from there. I warmly recommend visiting. I sure need to go back very soon.

Friday, May 21, 2010

The trip I took last week with my sister (she's visiting from Finland for 2 weeks) was to Arizona and the Grand Canyon. I love the mountains and it's been my dream to visit the Canyon for a long time. It was very quick trip, but I'm happy I got to experience it.

We stayed in historic town of Flagstaff which is about 1,5 hr drive from the South Rim of the Canyon. Hotel Monte Vista was in need of serious updating, but for $120 per night right in the historic city center I was ok with what I got. Monte Vista has very interesting history (some scenes from Casablanca were filmed here) and it's been said to have regularly appearing ghosts... We didn't see any though.

I fell in love with the peacefulness. No traffic and no crowds of people. It just made me realize how terrible it is to live in congested cities people moving from one place to another like herds.

I love the open fields, desert, cactus, mountains, weather, laid back easy going people and the slow pace of life.

I did request this room, but we were one day late to arrive (decided to stay in Phoenix the first night) and the room was given away. Dang it. For those who didn't know, Jon Bon Jovi is my man.

Grand Canyon was breathtaking, but you really do need a car to get around. They have free shuttle buses, but they operate only in limited area.

So I need to go back and see more. I'm already planning a road trip with the hubby end of this summer. And it goes something like this; San Francisco-Los Angeles- Grand Canyon- Sedona- New Mexico.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Lunch at our favorite Korean restaurant. This kimchi stew is the best thing ever. Vegetarian. And I can eat that entire bowl. I wonder why I can eat insane amounts of Korean stews. Might be the pepper or something.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Sometimes, when I'm feeling very energetic on my lunch break, I run down to Union Square to do my grocery shopping at Trader Joe's. Trader Joe's is one of my favorite stores due to the inexpensive prices, quality products and great selection even the stores are usually small.

I stock up on healthy snacks.

Like ginger. I love ginger in every form. Candied ginger is great chopped small and mixed with green tea and just as substitute of candy.

Busy wife's helpers... "Just heat up" Indian curries. No preservatives or other additives. Serve it with vegetables, rice and protein.

But when the sun and warmth calls me outdoors it's time to let my hair down, call the girls, set the place and time...

...dress for the occasion. First time wearing white pants this year... Exciting.

Share some laughs and ideas over a cocktail or two... And my favorite; rootbeer float.